Braves avoid arbitration, sign Veras to one-year deal

Veras, 28, hit a career-high .280 with six homers, 41 RBIs and 30 steals last season with San Diego. He made $2.11 million in 1999.

The five-year veteran has a .267 career average with 24 homers, 177 RBIs and 151 stolen bases in 612 games.

The Braves acquired Veras, outfielder Reggie Sanders and first baseman Wally Joyner from the Padres last month for outfielder-first baseman Ryan Klesko, second baseman Bret Boone and minor league pitcher Jason Shiell.

Veras, signed as a free agent by the New York Mets in 1989, was traded to the Florida Marlins for outfielder Carl Everett in 1994. He was sent to the Padres by the Marlins for pitcher Dustin Hermanson prior to the 1997 season.

In addition to his salary, Veras can earn another $150,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 575, 600 and 625 plate appearances.

Outfielder Andruw Jones is the only Atlanta player still eligible for arbitration.